Case Study: Empire State Realty Trust achieves an immersive, modernized observatory entrance and dynamic wayfinding with Planar Systems

Empire State Realty Trust - Customer Case Study

Empire State Realty Trust reinvented the Empire State Building Observatory entrance as part of a $150 million redevelopment to create a more seamless, modern visitor journey and solve wayfinding and language-barrier challenges. To deliver immersive digital signage and support the building’s high-profile lighting ceremonies, Planar Systems (via Leyard and Planar product lines) supplied Leyard TWA and TVH LED video walls along with Planar QE Series and Planar Simplicity Series 4K LCD displays.

Planar Systems installed a 12' x 8' Leyard TWA Series 1.2mm LED video wall (5x4) as a dynamic backdrop for lighting ceremonies, added Leyard TVH ceiling banners, and deployed Planar QE and Simplicity 4K screens for iconography-driven wayfinding. The solution produced high-contrast, photography-friendly imagery (no moiré at 3–5 ft), improved navigation for international visitors, and provided a compelling centerpiece for events and tributes—outcomes Empire State Realty Trust says guests “absolutely love” and that strengthen the Observatory’s PR and visitor-engagement efforts.

Empire State Realty Trust

Jean-Yves Ghazi

Senior Vice President